Urban Growers Collective and Obama Foundation Partner for Civic Engagement at the New Center
The Urban Growers Collective (UGC) announced a strategic partnership with the Obama Foundation, aimed at invigorating summer programming at the newly established Obama Presidential Center (OPC). The excitement centers around Garden Gatherings, a unique intergenerational series that will take place in the iconic Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden. This initiative is set to run until September 20, 2026, and is designed to redefine urban agriculture as a form of civic engagement and food justice advocacy.
Operated with the expertise of the Chicago Botanic Garden, the garden is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, and it will serve as an essential platform for UGC to implement its culturally relevant programming. This partnership capitalizes on the Community Food Navigator to emphasize that food sovereignty is an expression of democracy, empowering communities to take control over their food systems.
"At UGC, we don’t simply grow food; we cultivate individuals and communities," said Erika Allen, Founder and CEO of UGC. "This partnership amplifies our mission, empowering communities to build their own soil and navigate their food systems, fostering self-determination. This is democracy in action, rooted in the community."
The Garden Gatherings series will unfold bi-weekly on Sundays, featuring 90-minute workshops that integrate both agriculture and ecological principles. Here’s what to expect:
The Garden Gatherings not only serve as a means of education and community building but also highlight pressing issues related to food sovereignty as a fundamental democratic right. UGC is keen to reshape the narrative surrounding localized food production from one of scarcity to one of abundance. With expert speakers available, journalists and podcasters are invited to explore themes like:
UGC’s dedication to food, climate, and economic solutions is evident through its impressive metrics, which include:
Founded with the mission to foster community-led urban agriculture in Chicago, UGC facilitates food sovereignty, tackles systemic inequities, and promotes economic mobility through dedicated land stewardship and climate resilience. With operations spanning eight urban farm sites and the innovative Green Era clean energy campus, UGC is transforming urban farming into a pathway for sustainable career success and community advocacy.
For more information, visit Urban Growers Collective.
Operated with the expertise of the Chicago Botanic Garden, the garden is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, and it will serve as an essential platform for UGC to implement its culturally relevant programming. This partnership capitalizes on the Community Food Navigator to emphasize that food sovereignty is an expression of democracy, empowering communities to take control over their food systems.
"At UGC, we don’t simply grow food; we cultivate individuals and communities," said Erika Allen, Founder and CEO of UGC. "This partnership amplifies our mission, empowering communities to build their own soil and navigate their food systems, fostering self-determination. This is democracy in action, rooted in the community."
Garden Gatherings Summer 2026 Schedule
The Garden Gatherings series will unfold bi-weekly on Sundays, featuring 90-minute workshops that integrate both agriculture and ecological principles. Here’s what to expect:
- - July 12: Soil Rhythms – Participants will engage in hands-on activities such as sifting soil and vermicomposting, exploring the essence of life.
- - July 26: Sun-Drenched Harmonies – This session will focus on harnessing solar energy with activities like brewing sun teas and crafting botanical scent rollers.
- - August 9: The Pollinator Groove – Attendees will honor the theme of mutual aid by constructing mason bee houses and creating custom floral arrangements.
- - August 23: The Preservation Waltz – This workshop will educate on food preservation techniques, including quick-pickling and fermentation, as acts of resilience.
- - September 6: Pigment Play – The focus will be on the economic and artistic contributions of using natural plant dyes and seed "bloom balls."
- - September 20: The Rooted and Rising Cycle – Participants will learn about food sovereignty and seed saving, key facets of sustainable agriculture and community resilience.
The Importance of the Initiative
The Garden Gatherings not only serve as a means of education and community building but also highlight pressing issues related to food sovereignty as a fundamental democratic right. UGC is keen to reshape the narrative surrounding localized food production from one of scarcity to one of abundance. With expert speakers available, journalists and podcasters are invited to explore themes like:
- - How the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden promotes the values of Michelle Obama's initiatives through community-led urban farming.
- - The framework of six sensory experiences designed to promote healing from urban traumas through engagement with nature.
- - Tools like the Community Food Navigator, which links growers with local stewardship projects, enhancing community connectivity.
Urban Growers Collective: The Impact
UGC’s dedication to food, climate, and economic solutions is evident through its impressive metrics, which include:
- - Fresh Produce: Over 89,000 pounds of produce harvested from 154 different varieties.
- - Community Reach: Nearly 40,000 customers served via Fresh Moves Mobile Markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs).
- - Training Programs: More than 850 individuals trained through youth and adult apprenticeship programs.
- - Volunteer Engagement: Over 131,300 community connections created and more than 2,300 volunteers mobilized.
- - Financial Investments: Over $378,000 redeemed in Fresh Moves food access vouchers.
Founded with the mission to foster community-led urban agriculture in Chicago, UGC facilitates food sovereignty, tackles systemic inequities, and promotes economic mobility through dedicated land stewardship and climate resilience. With operations spanning eight urban farm sites and the innovative Green Era clean energy campus, UGC is transforming urban farming into a pathway for sustainable career success and community advocacy.
For more information, visit Urban Growers Collective.
Topics Other）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.